Starting July 17, 2024, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will enforce new compliance regulations for surface mobile equipment to address the rising number of serious and fatal accidents in the mining industry. Over the years, powered haulage equipment and machinery have been the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in mines. In 2023 alone, there were 40 fatalities, including 16 from machinery-related accidents and 10 from powered haulage accidents. This initiative aims to enhance safety for miners through comprehensive, written safety programs required for surface and underground mining operations. Here’s what you need to know to ensure compliance and improve workplace safety.
This Compliance Applies To:
All production operators and Part 45 independent contractors.
Surface mobile equipment at surface coal and metal/nonmetal mines.
Surface mobile equipment at surface areas of underground coal mines.
Main Reasons for This New Compliance:
Increasing Accidents and Fatalities: The high number of accidents and deaths involving surface mobile equipment required stricter safety rules. MSHA saw the urgent need to protect miners from these dangers.
Enhanced Safety Protections: The new rule aims to improve safety for miners working with and around surface mobile equipment. It requires detailed written safety plans that involve miners and focus on identifying and reducing hazards.
Proactive Safety Measures: MSHA’s initiative is part of a broader effort to improve overall safety in the mining industry. This includes other measures like safety and health alerts, the “Take Time, Save Lives” campaign, and enhanced enforcement programs.
Compliance Requirements:
The compliance requires mine operators to develop written safety programs specifically for surface mobile equipment, excluding belt conveyors, at both surface mines and the surface areas of underground mines.
Key Aspects of the MSHA Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program
Responsibilities:
Part 45 Independent Contractors: Must either develop their safety programs or integrate them into production operators’ programs. They must coordinate and communicate with production operators on safety programs.
Surface Mobile Equipment:
Includes wheeled, skid-mounted, track-mounted, rail-mounted equipment, and any powered equipment that transports people, equipment, or materials.
Excludes belt conveyors and manually powered tools like wheelbarrows and hand carts.
Development and Updates:
Programs must be updated at least annually or as mining conditions change, accidents occur, or equipment is modified.
Input from miners and their representatives is required.
Written Safety Program Requirements
Hazard Identification:
Identify and analyze hazards.
Reduce risks related to the movement and operation of surface mobile equipment.
Maintenance Procedures:
Develop and maintain procedures and schedules for routine maintenance and non-routine repairs.
Technology Evaluation:
Identify and evaluate the adoption of available and emerging technologies to enhance safety.
Training:
Train miners and other personnel to identify, address, or avoid hazards related to surface mobile equipment.
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